In a recent InfoSource study covering the Middle East and African regions, local document solutions company, Kyocera Mita, was named one of the top three players in the digital printing market.
"In 2001, Kyocera Mita showed a growth of 68% in digital multifunctional products (MFPs) market share," says Wayne Holborn, Manager: Sales and Marketing, Kyocera Mita South Africa. "The company has been concentrating its strength in printer technology and bypassing third-party printer technologies by providing vendors and consumers with complete solutions."
Holborn adds that consumers are definitely taking a "more print, less copies" approach when purchasing MFPs. "Customers are no longer opting for standalone units, preferring to connect their departmental printers to networks," he says. "They are also choosing MFPs which can print, copy, scan and fax."
Kyocera Mita`s MFPs are known for their high image quality and high productivity. The entire product line is network-compatible and can be expanded with printer, scanner and fax options.
Holborn believes that one of the main reasons the company has dominated the market this year is the proprietary technology incorporated into the drum units used in their printers and MFPs. "All Kyocera Mita MFPs and laser printers incorporate `long-life` components."
Utilising long-life components reduces the time needed for maintenance to be completed and decreases the operating costs for the end-user.
Another attractive feature to the Kyocera Mita printers and MFPs is the fact that they are controlled using KX driver technology. "This means one interface operates a full range of products," says Holborn. "If the user knows how to run a small desktop printer, they will easily be capable of operating a departmental networked MFP that can print and copy in colour."
In addition, the product range can be easily managed over a network using KM-NetViewer, which allows network administrators to remotely manage and control all printers and MFPs without leaving their desk.
"These new technologies create new value and bring enormous benefits to users," Holborn concludes. "This has always been Kyocera Mita`s main ambition and receiving market recognition is only the icing on top."
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Kyocera Mita Corporation is the latest member of the worldwide Kyocera group. As part of the Kyocera Corporation, Kyocera Mita joins one of the most successful technology conglomerates of the last 50 years.
Kyocera Corporation was founded in 1959 as a manufacturer of fine ceramics and is based in Kyoto, Japan, as well as Europe and the US. Its product range has diversified from microelectronic packaging and components into optical and electronic systems including cameras, laser printers and telecommunications equipment.
The Kyocera group employs approximately 51 000 people in more than 20 nations (21 000) outside of Japan. Today, Kyocera is among the leading manufacturers of hi-tech ceramics, electronic components, solar cells, cellular phones and electronic office equipment.